Drywall Installation Las Vegas may sound daunting, but following some basic guidelines is pretty simple. You can achieve a professional-looking wallboard with a little patience and the right drywall tools.
First, mix your mud to a peanut butter-like consistency. Then, smooth it over any seams between panels. Don’t load your spackle knife too full, as this can cause unsightly lumps.
Getting started with drywall installation may seem daunting, but the process is actually fairly easy. Some of the steps, particularly hanging the drywall panels, are easily accomplished by a homeowner with some time and energy to spare. Taking the time to follow best practices, especially when measuring and cutting drywall sheets, will pay off in a better-fitting wall surface that’s easier to finish with tape and mud.
The first step in the process is to mark the locations for any window and door openings and any light fixture or outlet openings. This will help you be more accurate when cutting the drywall to size and will prevent having to make multiple cuts as you work around these features.
After you have the marks in place:
- Use a straight edge and utility knife to score the drywall along your marked lines.
- Be careful not to cut through the paper face, but rather score it evenly across the surface (Image 1).
- Apply pressure with your knee, and the drywall will snap along its scored line.
Before moving to the next stage, run your taping knife over the seams, catching on any catches. This will reveal any rogue screws that are not set properly, and will save you the frustration of having to re-set them with your hammer later.
Be sure to follow the proper procedures for screwing drywall into framing members, including using the right length screws and not over-tightening them. Also, be sure to use a level and check for plumbness before continuing to the next step.
Generally, permits are not required for basic drywall replacement or upgrades. However, if you’re doing more extensive work that includes changing out electrical outlets or moving plumbing fixtures, it’s important to talk with your local building inspector.
If you decide to hire a professional drywall installer for your project, it’s important to get quotes from several companies. Specialized drywall suppliers often offer better values, bulk discounts, and specific knowledge of products you won’t find at big-box home improvement stores. Also, professional drywall installation can be faster and more accurate.
Preparation
Drywall Installation is a project that can be tackled by home or business owners who have the proper skills, materials and tools. However, working with drywall can be heavy work and it requires a lot of physical stamina. It is best to hire a professional for large projects or for people who have never done it before. Using a pro also helps avoid any costly mistakes that might be made by someone with limited experience.
Before starting a drywall renovation, it is important to move or cover any items that could be damaged by dust or debris during the process. It is also helpful to locate and mark the location of any studs in the wall or ceiling before beginning. This will help prevent any issues with the drywall installation that might result in the need to return to fix an error later on.
It is also a good idea to choose the right size of sheetrock for your project. Choosing the right thickness will help to reduce seams and improve the overall appearance of the finished product. Ideally, you want to purchase sheets that are at least half an inch thick.
Before hanging a sheet of drywall, it is helpful to pre-cut any sections that will need to go around doors, windows or electrical outlets. This will help to ensure a tight fit and will save time in the long run, as it will eliminate the need for cutting the drywall in place.
When the drywall is cut, it is important to use a stud finder to ensure that each piece will be secured in the correct spot in the wall or ceiling. This will help prevent any sagging or drywall damage that might result from a poor fit in the future. Once the drywall is in place, it is a good idea to fasten each section with a screw every eight inches along the seams and closer at the edges to prevent sagging or falling of the material.
When cutting drywall panels, be careful to not break through the paper layer. This can weaken the overall structure of the drywall and lead to problems down the line. In addition, when driving screws into the drywall, be sure that they do not break through the paper or tear into it. The heads of the screws should create a slight dimple in the drywall, but they should not be driven so far that they penetrate into the core of the drywall.
Hanging the Sheets
If you’re skilled at home construction projects, a little careful planning and precise measurements should allow you to hang drywall like a pro. But if you’re not comfortable working on your own or want a more seamless finish, consider hiring an experienced drywall contractor. It can save you money in the long run, especially when it comes to fixing any mistakes.
Choose a contractor that offers both new installation and replacement services, as well as repairs. They’ll know the proper screw length for the job and can offset panels to ensure seams line up correctly. A reputable company will also have access to a wide range of tools and materials, including drywall tape and joint compound.
Before starting to hang drywall, use a level to make sure the ceiling and walls are flat from one stud or joist to the other. If they aren’t, you may need to smooth or shim them. You should also run a bead of glue down the wall or ceiling before installing any sheets. This prevents the drywall from shifting, which could lead to uneven seams and a bumpy surface that will require additional work later on.
Drywall typically comes in 4×8-foot sheets, although some suppliers carry specialty sizes and options, such as longer panels for 9-foot ceilings or flexible drywall for curved walls. Generally, these products aren’t much more expensive than standard sheets, but they can save you time and money when you’re dealing with a large project.
Start hanging the drywall in rows, making sure to offset each subsequent row by at least four feet (1.2 m). If you’re covering windows, doors or other fixtures, trim them out before installing the sheet. This will allow you to set the fixture in the proper location without having to cut around it. If possible, purchase a spiral cutout saw for these cuts. It will make the job faster and easier and help you create a clean, professional look.
As you continue to work on the drywall, keep in mind that inside corners should overlap by about an eighth of an inch. This will create a tighter fit and help the corner bead adhere properly to the wall or ceiling.
Finishing
The finishing stage is what makes your bare-bones walls look like a real room. It’s the step that requires the most skill, as it’s when you start to hide the seams and make the wall appear as smooth as possible. This is also the time to take care of electrical outlets, windows and other fixtures that will need access through the drywall.
This phase can be messy, so it’s important to follow safety protocols and maintain a clean work environment. Drywallers will often need to collaborate with other construction professionals, such as carpenters and electricians, to ensure their work is done properly.
During the finishing process, you will add a second coat of joint compound over the taped seams and around any fasteners visible on the surface of the drywall. This helps to protect the joints from moisture and create a smooth, strong surface that’s ready for paint or wallpaper.
Before applying the second coat of mud, run your taping knife lightly over the edges of each sheet to ensure it’s free of any ridges or tool marks. If the knife catches on any screws, it means they weren’t sunk in far enough, so you will need to drive them in a bit deeper. Be careful not to go all the way through the drywall paper, as this can reduce its holding strength.
Once the second coat is applied, your drywall will be at level 2 finish. At this point, the joint compound will be free of ridges and tools marks, but it won’t be completely smooth. If you want your wallboard to be at a higher level of finish, you’ll need to add a third coat and sand it to remove any rough spots.
You’ll also need to sand the corners of each sheet, feathering out the butt seams and touching up any areas where the drywall was damaged during installation. You’ll need to use 120-grit sandpaper for this, and you can rent a hand sander if necessary.
While the drywall is being installed, your contractor will install trim (such as baseboards and crown molding) and other features, such as interior doors. Once this is complete, your home will begin to look like a finished space, and you’ll be able to enjoy living in it!